Natchitoches, Louisiana - The Louisiana Legislature commends and congratulates Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile for its 150 years of service in Natchitoches Parish. A resolution was presented by Senator Gerald Long and Representative Kenny Cox to Luke Frederick, president of the company.

"Everyone I meet in Baton Rouge who's been to Natchitoches tells me that Kaffie-Frederick's is their favorite store. It's one of the most popular tourists attractions in the city," said Senator Gerald Long.

Kaffie-Frederick is the oldest general store in Louisiana celebrating its 151st anniversary this year. The general store was founded in 1863 by Prussian immigrants Harris and Adolph Kaffie Its first store was located on the corner of Trudeau and Front Streets in downtown Natchitoches.

"It is quite an honor to be recognized for the many years of service that we have provided to North Louisiana. It's an equal honor to have the support of our customers and community for the past century and a half," said Luke Frederick, president of the company.

In 1892, the present building on Front Street in downtown Natchitoches was erected and the business has operated from this location ever since. In 1920, the Kaffie family hired eighteen-year-old Titus Frederick as a drayman, who by 1936 had worked his way up to become the vice president of the company and the general manager. By 1956, Titus was named a partner and part owner of the business.

Two generations of Fredericks followed Titus in the management of the family business, and helped to maintain its status as a Natchitoches institution.

During its successful history, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile has always served as a comprehensive general store serving the needs of the people in the Natchitoches area and has survived periods of great challenges, including the American Civil War, World War I, the Great Depression and World War II.

The third generation of the Frederick family has devoted itself to preserving the historic nature of the building, having barely changed the structure since a 1932 remodeling job.

As Natchitoches, Louisiana celebrates its 300th anniversary, it is proud to include Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile as part of its rich and storied history.

Natchitoches is located in Northwest Louisiana one hour south of Shreveport.